(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Diaminocyclohexane D-Tartrate: A Detailed Commentary

Historical Development

Decades ago, when the world of chiral ligands was still unfolding, chemists turned their eyes to simple molecules with unique stereochemistry to solve asymmetric catalysis challenges. (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate stands as a product of curious minds seeking control over optical activity in chemical reactions. Its story traces back to the demand for sharper enantioselective methods, particularly as researchers needed pure enantiomers for synthesis. Early pioneers saw how the combination of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, with its rigid backbone, and tartaric acid, a readily available chiral pool compound, could create complexes offering high selectivity. The compound's relevance grew with the surge of interest in pharmaceutical intermediates and the emergence of chiral catalysts.

Product Overview

(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate steps up as a salt pairing a diamine with D-tartaric acid, giving rise to a stable crystalline form suited for precise roles in synthesis and catalysis. Simple in molecular structure yet rich in chiral information, it draws the attention of chemists seeking reliable building blocks for complex molecules. Its ordered pairing helps prevent issues like racemization, which can cause headaches during the purification process.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Crystalline, nearly white to off-white, and hygroscopic, this salt reflects light on a lab bench. It dissolves in water and alcohols, sparing in less polar solvents, making it easy to work with during many transformations. It melts around 200°C with decomposition, and storage under dry, cool conditions extends its shelf life and purity. Chemically, it provides two primary amines on a six-membered cyclohexane ring, locked in a trans fashion, while tartrate serves to stabilize the chiral form and assist solubility.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Pure lots come with data sheets specifying enantiomeric excess, minimum 98% purity, and clear indications of water and inorganic impurity content. Most reputable suppliers go further, using chiral HPLC for authentication. Detailed labeling carries essential information—lot number, storage suggestions (desiccated and away from heat sources), expiration date, and full chemical identification. Any reputable vendor should also alert users if regulatory status for pharmaceutical or food use remains unconfirmed, reflecting the push for traceability in modern research.

Preparation Method

Typical synthesis begins with optically pure (1S,2S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, sourced from chiral resolution or asymmetric hydrogenation of cyclohexene derivatives. D-tartaric acid, isolated from fermentation residues or by chemical resolution, dissolves in ethanol or water. Adding the diamine solution to the tartrate leads to precipitation of the salt. Filtration and washing remove unreacted starting materials, and a slow drying process prevents hydrolysis or other degradation. Laboratories and industrial producers alike rely on simple glassware and moderate temperatures to ensure consistent product quality, using vacuum ovens for final drying.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Once on the bench, the diamine-D-tartrate salt opens a gate to dozens of transformations. Free diamine is easily recovered upon basification, releasing the pure amine for catalyst or ligand prep. Acylation, alkylation, and Schiff base formation follow smoothly, making this salt a vital starting material in organometallic and coordination chemistry. Platinum and ruthenium complexes prepared from (1S,2S)-diaminocyclohexane derivatives enable countless asymmetric reductions. Each tweak of the tartrate counterion or backbone gives rise to selectivity shifts, reflecting just how sensitive chiral environments prove to be in real-world synthesis.

Synonyms & Product Names

Besides its tongue-twisting full name, researchers know this salt as D-tartaric acid, (1S,2S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane salt, (1S,2S)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine ditartrate, or simply (S,S)-DACH D-tartrate. These names populate catalogues from chemical suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich, TCI, Alfa Aesar, and others—each with slight variations depending on regional regulation or supplier translation habits. Synonym breadth reflects the global demand for this very specific chiral material.

Safety & Operational Standards

Practical safety with (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate means ventilation, gloves, and attention to labeling. The diamine can irritate skin and mucous membranes, and the salt’s dust may bring sneezing or coughing. Standard protocols recommend handling on the open bench only inside a fume hood. Safety data sheets warn that accidental ingestion can cause nausea and headache, mostly due to the amine component. Long-term exposure data remain sparse, so the best practice involves treating every exposure as potentially harmful. Disposal of unused material follows local chemical waste regulations, highlighting the need for ongoing training.

Application Area

The influence of this compound cuts across industry lines, from pharmaceutical synthesis to advanced catalysis research. I have seen its direct application traced in the synthesis of oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapy agent. In industry, teams leverage its chiral ligand qualities to separate drug intermediates or improve synthesis yield. Academic research exploits the salt in developing new asymmetric hydrogenation protocols, allowing students to experience the successes and frustrations of chiral transfer firsthand. Technicians benefit from its clear, robust reactivity, particularly during scale-up for API production or in multi-step syntheses where downstream stereochemistry must be tightly controlled.

Research & Development

Research centered on this salt continues to explore stabilization, resolution efficiency, and application in new catalytic reactions. Teams push toward greener synthesis, avoiding hazardous solvents and minimizing waste. As regulatory bodies call for more sustainable chemical manufacturing, (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate serves as a case study in how academic progress and industrial need can mesh. Grants in the chiral chemical space frequently mention this salt as foundational to expanding chiral pool resources, with ongoing studies focused on cheaper synthesis from biomass or enzyme-catalyzed routes instead of traditional chemical reduction.

Toxicity Research

The toxicity profile of the parent diamine shows moderate irritating properties, with animal models suggesting no significant acute effects from single exposures, though chronic inhalation or skin contact may lead to sensitization. Published data from regulatory assessments show LD50 values far above likely exposure levels in laboratory settings. Still, the possibility of unknown action in specific biological pathways cannot be ignored, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Thorough risk assessments guide protocol creation, including real monitoring for airborne dust or residual diamine on surfaces. If new toxicity issues arise, safety standards and labeling need prompt, transparent updating.

Future Prospects

Looking to the future, the market’s appetite for chiral intermediates shows no signs of slowing—whether for patented pharmaceuticals or emerging green technologies. Biocatalysis brings the promise of new, sustainable methods for preparing both the diamine and tartrate. Computer-aided modeling pushes forward, simulating possible modifications to optimize activity or reduce waste. Researchers constantly seek ways to reduce cost and improve atom economy, and (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate continues to serve as both a catalyst and a product. There’s plenty left to learn and further potential to unlock, especially as synthetic chemists and process engineers find new uses and push the limits of scalable asymmetric chemistry.



What is the chemical formula and molecular weight of (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate?

Understanding Its Chemical Identity

Looking at (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate from a practical perspective means recognizing both its structure and its value. Scientists label its chemical formula as C6H14N2 for the diamine portion and C4H4O6 for the D-tartrate. The combination results in C6H14N2·C4H4O6. The molecular weight clocks in at about 264.29 grams per mole—a precise figure, but one that carries real-world implications in labs and industries.

Why the Structure Matters

Chemistry can look mysterious from the outside, but it’s less about theory and more about how molecules shape performance. The cyclohexane ring, with amino groups at the 1 and 2 positions, shows strong chiral properties. Combine this with D-tartrate, and you’ve got a salt with high purity that's especially useful in making chiral catalysts. Chiral ligands aren’t just a point of trivia—many modern drugs, metal catalysts, and advanced materials rely on them for selectivity and efficiency.

Real-Life Impact

Working in a lab, I’ve seen how subtle differences in molecular orientation can flip the effectiveness of a synthesis. Using a compound with the wrong chirality might destroy months of work or lead to expensive recalls in pharmaceuticals. It’s not a stretch to say that reliable access to (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate underpins many cutting-edge projects in chemistry.

Production and Purity Hurdles

Chiral synthesis often hits bottlenecks with purity and yield. Impurities at the chiral center might lead to unpredictable results in downstream applications. From my own experience with chiral separations, purification is tough, especially because both the diamine and the tartrate need to be in the right shape. The industry continues to chase better methods to keep costs down while raising purity. Crystallization, based on selective solubility in solvents, remains the go-to approach. But the process wastes material and adds extra steps.

Pushing Toward Solutions

There’s no magic bullet, but broadening access to automated purification systems helps. Continuous monitoring and smart feedback loops in reactors boost control over the process. Emphasis often falls on green chemistry as well—using less hazardous solvents, recycling reagents, and trimming down waste. This isn’t only about environmental responsibility; it directly impacts the cost and safety of what lands on the market.

Trust in Reliable Data

Critical information about (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate stands on solid ground thanks to transparent analytical methods like NMR and HPLC. Real customers and scientists expect suppliers to support quality with published data and independent verification. My approach always involves double-checking the specs: trusting but verifying, as a safety net against batch-to-batch variability.

The Bottom Line

(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate, weighing in at 264.29 g/mol, carries its importance not by being rare, but by being critical in making things work the way they’re supposed to. Avoiding shortcuts in procurement and handling pays off, whether you’re scaling up industrial processes or researching the next new treatment.

What are the common uses or applications of (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate?

A Trusted Chiral Building Block in Drug Development

Anyone working in pharmaceutical research gets familiar with chiral compounds early on. (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate stands out as a reliable go-to in asymmetric synthesis. Drug molecules often depend on precise 3D shapes. This compound offers a way to selectively build those shapes. I’ve seen labs leverage it for making active pharmaceutical ingredients like platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. Chemists value the stereoselectivity it brings. It ensures molecules match the configuration needed to work best in the human body, where a tiny switch in handedness can flip efficacy or trigger side effects.

Role in Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis

Coordination chemistry really comes alive with building blocks like this one. (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate helps create chiral ligands. These ligands direct metal centers to control chemical reactions. For example, in academic labs, researchers use it to design catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation. This method turns achiral compounds into specific enantiomers. Many times, these processes let chemists produce fine chemicals that are nearly impossible to separate by traditional means. The outcomes range from bulk pharmaceuticals to advanced materials.

Support in Analytical Method Development

Not everything with this compound ends up in a drug or a catalyst. Analytical chemists use it as a standard, testing resolution on chiral columns. Labs often analyze tiny samples with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Running a known enantiopure compound like this one checks both the system and the methodology. It’s a simple but effective way of keeping an eye on the accuracy of results, which matters in quality control and regulatory compliance.

Platform for Research in Stereochemistry

This compound shapes how students and professionals learn about stereochemistry. Countless undergraduate and graduate projects rely on it to teach fundamental principles. It lets you see, right in front of you, how a chiral diamine makes or breaks a reaction’s selectivity. Research teams have published studies using it as a reference to explore reaction mechanisms or test new synthetic strategies. Anyone trying to invent or improve chiral drugs sees clear benefits from hands-on work with this diamine tartrate.

Pushing Toward Efficiency in Fine Chemical Manufacturing

Manufacturers in fine chemicals and specialty chemicals rely on efficiency. (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate often helps with enantioselective synthesis that minimizes waste. Its chiral purity allows factories to cut down on the extra steps needed for separating isomers. Cutting those steps saves time, energy, and raw materials, which matters to both budgets and sustainability goals. Companies need reliable sources for starting materials like this to keep production lines moving and meet customer needs.

Opportunities and the Road Ahead

Challenges come up with sourcing and purity standards. Research teams and manufacturers can benefit from more robust supply chains and streamlined regulations. Further investment in greener synthesis routes may cut costs and improve safety for both workers and the environment. Industry partnerships offer a way to share best practices and drive innovation, especially as demand grows in pharmaceuticals and materials science. By focusing on quality, transparency, and long-term planning, teams get the most out of this versatile compound.

How should (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate be stored to maintain stability?

Understanding the Compound’s Sensitive Nature

Complex organic compounds like (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate bring value to chemistry labs and pharma research because they support cutting-edge synthesis. This kind of chemistry stands on the back of careful storage habits. Too much exposure to the elements and suddenly that jar of useful reagent loses its spark. Nobody wants to rerun a batch or toss out material just because a lid wasn’t tightened.

Common Risks: What Hurts Stability?

Science experience teaches an old lesson: moisture in the air, heat, and direct sunlight often demolish chemical stability. This compound carries water-friendly groups. Moisture in the environment leads to clumping, yellowing, or, worse, unwanted reactions that lower the chemical’s performance. Persistent dampness also opens the door to microbial growth — a disaster for any lab supply.

Heat speeds up degradation. In my grad school lab, open shelving looked neat, but left bottles sweating near the autoclave and under the sunny window. One summer, half of our compounds discolored because nobody checked the temperature spikes near the glass and hot equipment. Chemists quietly learned to respect the persistent challenge of temperature control.

The Right Storage Conditions

To keep (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate stable, rooms stay cool and dry, out of the sun, with containers sealed tight—ideally under nitrogen or argon if long-term storage matters. My own best results happened with bottles stored in a cabinet equipped with silica desiccants. No cracked seals, no stray grains of salt, and everything labeled with open dates. Over months, even the bottles at the back kept their appearance and potency.

Glass wins out over plastic. Glass stops vapor exchange, won’t leach plasticizers, and survives temperature changes better. Avoid large containers unless necessary. Smaller bottles cut down the number of times the main stash gets exposed to humid air and temperature swings. Once opened, finish each portion promptly or repack into dry, air-tight vessels. Working clean and quick during transfers matters; the more time open to the elements, the greater the risk.

Building Lab Habits That Work

Storage protocols depend on staff training and vigilance. Even the best facilities lose materials if nobody stays mindful. Marking every new shipment with a clear “Received” and “Opened” date proved critical at every workplace I have joined. I also encouraged colleagues to use a fresh scoop each time to sidestep cross-contamination. Taking ten seconds to close and re-label beats spending hours investigating unexpected reaction failures.

Strong inventory management helps. Labs running regular audits know exactly what sits on each shelf and spot problems before stock goes off. Some teams use humidity indicator cards in containers, which give a visual snapshot of humidity creep. Not every lab budget covers high-end freezers or atmosphere-controlled units, but anyone can invest in basic silica gel packets, keep containers off windowsills, and pay attention to expiration dates.

Potential Solutions and Smarter Practices

The best way to avoid ruined batches and lost research lies in developing habits based on consistency, not luck. Integrate storage checks into daily routines. If possible, track temperature and humidity with simple digital gauges. Use secondary containment in bins or sealed boxes for backup. A handful of preventive steps keeps chemicals, and progress, intact. Respect the material; good chemistry starts before anything hits the flask.

Is (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate hazardous or does it require any special handling precautions?

Working with Fine Chemicals in the Lab

Plenty of researchers and lab techs run into (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate during catalysis work or while prepping specialty reagents. Just reading the name brings back memories of grad school synthesis marathons, powdered gloves, and keeping an eye on every step in the process. Not every chemical on the shelf screams "hazard," but it's easy to let your guard down right up until something splashes or dust gets in the air.

Physical Properties and What They Mean for Safe Handling

This fine, crystalline compound typically comes as a white or off-white powder. It’s water-soluble, but that doesn’t mean it goes down the sink. Even solid amino alcohol tartrates leave a lot of dust, which makes good ventilation pretty important. It doesn’t carry the stench or aggressive feel you expect from acids or strong bases. That can trick you into thinking it’s benign. Truth is, plenty of powders without much smell still irritate your eyes and lungs—or worse, build up over time to cause unpredictable problems.

Actual Hazards and Precautions that Matter

You won’t find this compound ranked as acutely toxic by the standards of concentrated cyanides or traditional solvents like methylene chloride. Manufacturers list (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate as an irritant. If the dust hits your eyes, you get redness, watering, and burning. Inhaling too much can bring on coughing or respiratory discomfort. The powder has a sticky way of figuring out how to migrate to your skin, nose, or even your sandwiches if you snack at the bench—not smart. I’ve worked with a lot of amino-functional compounds and learned that taking gloves and goggles off just once often leads to at least a mild rash or irritation.

Spills don’t call for emergency hazmat suits, but you’ll want to avoid tracking white powder across the lab. I’ve watched plenty of folks scramble for lab coats the moment someone tips over a bottle, since even simple tartrates can get slippery on tile. The white traces look innocent, but cleanup with wet towels and immediate trash disposal works best. Don’t sweep—spreading dust through the air exposes everyone.

Regulatory Status and Environmental Concerns

Most safety data sheets place this compound into the “handle with caution, not panic” category. OSHA and GHS hazard statements flag it as an irritant. Local environmental rules often treat amino diols and tartrates as non-persistent and non-bioaccumulative, making disposal easier—still, it’s a mistake to pour them down the drain or toss into trash without bagging and labeling. I’ve seen improper disposal trigger wastewater alarms, not because this compound is deadly, but because small-scale violations add up fast, especially with cleanroom projects.

Building a Safe Working Culture

Nothing beats training and real-world experience for learning which chemicals demand a face shield and which ask only for basic gloves and good hygiene. Even if you know (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate isn’t going to cause serious injuries, everyone benefits from encouraging coworkers to wear personal protective equipment as a habit, not an exception. I always insist on storing sealed bottles in a cool, dry area, away from acids or bleaching agents. Label everything clearly—no cryptic abbreviations. One missed label once cost me an afternoon of extra cleaning and paperwork with the safety team.

Solutions and Smarter Practices

Doing it right comes down to building in good practice from the start. Use gloves and goggles, keep bench snacks out of the lab, know where the eyewash station sits. Store powders where they stay dry and never forget to bag waste for proper collection. Keep environmental health and safety staff in the loop if an accident or exposure pops up—they help minimize small issues before they grow. In labs where I trained, every team member looked out for the others. That kind of awareness keeps the irritation risk low and the workflow steady.

What is the typical purity or specification available for (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate?

Digging Into Specifications: What Lab Buyers Face

Out of the countless chemicals used in labs, (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate stands out for those doing asymmetric catalysis or looking for chiral building blocks. Researchers and buyers looking for this compound have learned that you can't assume the spec sheet tells the whole story. I know the frustration first-hand, flipping between manufacturers’ datasheets and searching for small differences that end up mattering a lot farther down the line.

Big-name chemical suppliers consistently offer this compound at purities between 98% and 99%. Dig into Sigma-Aldrich or TCI’s catalogs and most lots hit 98%. You sometimes find higher-purity options, but you’ll pay extra for 99% or 99.5% materials. The purity listed as “HPLC” or “on a dry basis” means the number reflects the actual compound, not water or counterions. This matters; if you plan to use the sample as a catalyst ligand, having 1% unknowns could wreck a sensitive reaction.

Numbers on Paper Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Chiral purity often gets overlooked, even by solid labs. Handling a compound with 98% chemical purity but weak enantiomeric purity is like baking with salt instead of sugar: nothing works out. For (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate, reputable sellers publish an “enantiomeric excess” (ee) above 98%. The best batches push 99% ee but occasionally small suppliers duck this number altogether. Labs prepping ligands for pharma relies on this figure — not having it slows projects or calls for extra, expensive analysis.

Contaminants: More Than a Footnote

Every batch lands with a heavy metals limit, often below 0.1%. Trace metals like iron or copper love to surprise unsuspecting researchers in complex syntheses. I remember watching a simple hydrogenation go haywire thanks to “trace” nickel — a cleanup that killed a week. Solvent residues, water, and tartrate content round out a proper datasheet. Skipping these checks leads to stress, especially in scale-up runs.

Documentation: A Basic Form of Respect

Full documentation builds trust. Certificates of analysis should spell out not only overall purity, but also chiral excess, major contaminants, and water content. Companies that flag batch-specific data, not just a blanket minimum, stand out for scientific integrity. Reliable labeling means researchers don’t waste weeks troubleshooting a mystery impurity.

Better Sourcing Starts With Standards

The world of specialty chemicals never rewards shortcuts. Choosing high-purity (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate with full enantiomeric reporting beats hunting for bargains that don’t pan out. Investing in a top batch up front lowers the risk of late-stage failures. Sharing analytical results across suppliers, adopting standards like 99%+ purity and ee, and expecting detailed analyses could save time and resources across the board.

The conversation comes back to quality — not just numbers on a page, but verified values that hold up across labs. Chasing these standards isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s about getting reproducible results, every single time.

(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate